[Becki_in_IN]

I had one little girl that left 16 years ago and I can still feel her hair on my left check. I took a year and a half off after that one. Others we just took another placement ASAP. It just really depends on what you need. Take care of yourself.

[Juliana13]

Thanks everyone. It helps to read all of your posts. I have tried to put a photo album together, of her time with us. I just cry when I look at the pictures, so maybe I'll wait a bit before I do that.

I want to see her and hold her so badly, and my kids really want to see her, too. But I agree that that would likely confuse her (she's only 17 months old) and cause her pain and stress. Maybe when she's more stable in her new life. But I miss her so!

I have looked for a counselor - but so far have found the one who doesn't know how to deal with us. Will look more this week.

I want to just take a break and have some space to cry and just BE. But I have three grieving children, who have busy little lives and need their mom right now. So I take my "space" in bits and pieces.

Thanks, guys. You are the greatest!

[c.a]

The best support I receive when my foster kids go home is from other foster parents who have been through it as well.

Look for opportunities where you can get to know other foster parents. Is there a foster parent support group in your area? If not - think about starting one. It can be very informal. We have a support group that meets once per month. Tea and snack - and we talk about whatever is on our minds about our foster kids.

I had a baby boy who went home after almost 8 months (from 5 months to just after he turned one). There were three things that got me through (1) my foster care support group (2) my church - where there are four other families who do foster care and (3) one of those foster care friends from church who had also just had a baby return home about 3 weeks before mine.

Leaning on friends who have been there too. Knowing that they will lean on me when their time comes. But you do have to invest the time to find and build friendships with other foster parents.

It is a hard road. I wish you peace on your journey.